The tiny flaxseed is a good example of something small that has powerful health-promoting benefits. Flaxseed is rich in a fat—alpha-linolenic acid—that is essential to health, which the body cannot manufacture. This essential fat reduces inflammation in the body, helps prevent blood clots that cause heart attacks and stroke, helps protect against deadly heart rhythms, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, and helps arteries open wider.

Doctors at Harvard Medical School found that individuals with the greatest intake of alpha-linolenic acid had nearly half the risk of a fatal heart attack as those eating the least. Another study revealed that when patients who experienced a heart attack were placed on a diet high in alpha-linolenic acid, their risk of dying was 70 percent lower after five years than those eating the standard post heart-attack prudent diet.

You can enjoy the powerful benefits of alpha-linolenic acid by daily eating one to two tablespoons of whole flaxseed, freshly ground. Sprinkle and enjoy its nutty flavor on cereal, fruit, yogurt, salad, or toast. It’s one small way to improve your health.